Russian President to Visit China Following U.S. President's Visit

DPA

President of Russia Vladimir Putin shakes hands with President of China Xi Jinping.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled visit China on 19-20 May following an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Kremlin said on Saturday, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump ended an inconclusive state visit to Beijing.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry also confirmed the visit, during which President Putin and President Xi are expected to discuss bilateral relations and exchange views on international and regional issues.

The leaders are also expected to sign a joint statement and a series of bilateral documents. A meeting with Premier Li Qiang is also on the agenda.

President Putin’s visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the signing of the treaty on good-neighbourliness and friendly cooperation between the two countries.

President Trump flew back to Washington on Friday after a two-day summit with President Xi aimed at stabilising the current tense U.S. relations with China. Despite mutual praise and claims of progress, the sides remained at odds on Taiwan and other key issues after the talks.

President Putin was last in Beijing last year, when a military parade was held to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.



PUKMEDIA